Technical Make-Up lesson 1 notes - consultation and cleansing

Before we began anything, we were given consultation sheets. These are basic guidelines for sheets that will constantly be needed in the make-up industry. They mean attention is brought to any possible problems the make-up artist may have when working on the model. For example, facial features, hair, blemishes, and contraindications. If skin is particularly bad, make-up application may not be allowed at all. It is very important to carry out consultations, for both the comfort, safety and hygiene of the client, and also the hygiene and prevention of contamination for the artist. 

Products to use: ('suitable for sensitive skin' is safest!)
- cleanser
- toner
- moisturiser

Health and safety:
- Dispose of dirty cotton pads/cotton buds
- Ask client if they are wearing contact lenses to avoid problems with the eye area 

• Cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturising (Even men! - use a tissue to avoid fibres from cotton wool pads getting caught on fine stubble.)
• Preparing the skin correctly is vital for healthy, clean skin and a blank canvas to work on.
• Clean hands, hair tied up, couch roll on surfaces, shoulder wrap to protect model's clothes, clips to hold model's hair back.
• Brushes must be clean - wipe in cleaning liquid on tissue/cotton pad to prevent damage by dipping the whole brush in the liquid, dry on couch roll
• Use both cotton wool pads and cotton buds, be sure to clean neck as well as face
• Ask if the model is aware of any allergies they have! Are they wearing contact lenses?
• Use hypoallergenic products
• Can ask client to clean their own eyes as they will be more comfortable applying pressure to remove make-up.
• Clearly state "I'm going to wash my hands."

Images of my model after I had cleansed, toned and moisturised her face. I am quite pleased with how well I removed any traces of make-up from her eye area.

Evaluation:

I enjoyed this first practical make-up lesson, however it was more challenging than I expected it to be. Firstly, working from behind the model and using the mirror to see what I was doing proved difficult as it felt like I was working backwards and from further away than I felt comfortable. This is a technique I will have to practice. Also, being sure to remove every last inch of make-up from the model's skin was difficult as it was easy to miss bits, especially around the eyes. Finally, making sure I worked hygienically meant I had to constantly think about what I was doing, where my hands had been and whether I needed to wash them or my work station. I think this will be something that will begin to become second nature to me the more I practice, as it is a vital part of working with make-up.